Why Zanzibar, Tanzania Has the Best Beaches — Even Beyond Comoros

When travelers dream of an Indian Ocean paradise, pristine stretches of white sand, turquoise waters, and palm-fringed coastlines immediately come to mind. While several destinations in East Africa and the Indian Ocean archipelago are blessed with beautiful shores, Zanzibar, Tanzania consistently stands out as one of the world’s premier beach destinations , even when compared to nearby islands like Comoros.

The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) is proud to highlight why Zanzibar continues to captivate global travelers and why the island’s beaches remain unmatched in beauty, accessibility, and cultural richness.

1. Unrivaled Natural Beauty

Zanzibar’s beaches are legendary for their fine, powdery sand and crystal-clear waters. Unlike many other islands where volcanic activity has left darker or coarse sands, Zanzibar’s coral formation gives it naturally soft, dazzlingly white sand.

• Nungwi and Kendwa Beaches on the northern coast are renowned for their calm tides, making them perfect for swimming at any time of day.
• Paje and Jambiani Beaches on the eastern side attract kite surfers and adventure seekers while offering wide-open spaces for those seeking solitude.

Comoros, by contrast, while beautiful, tends to have coarser sands, limited beachfront infrastructure, and less expansive stretches suitable for tourism development. Zanzibar’s consistency in delivering postcard-perfect beaches gives it a clear edge.

2. Ease of Access and Global Connectivity

The Spice Islands and the island of Unguja enjoys excellent connectivity with direct international flights from Europe, the Middle East, and East Africa. The Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) handles a high volume of arrivals, making it easy for visitors to travel directly to the island without complex transit arrangements.

In comparison, Comoros’ air access is limited and often requires multiple connections, adding cost and travel time. Zanzibar’s streamlined access helps Tanzania maintain a steady flow of both leisure and high-end travelers — a significant advantage for tour operators and local communities.

3. World-Class Tourism Infrastructure

The Tanzanian government, together with private investors and members of TATO, has invested heavily in ensuring that Zanzibar offers a full spectrum of accommodation and tourism services. From exclusive five-star resorts to boutique eco-lodges and budget-friendly guesthouses, Zanzibar caters to every type of traveler.

Comoros, though pristine and less crowded, lacks comparable investment in tourism infrastructure. Limited hotel options and fewer professional services reduce its appeal for long-haul tourists seeking a seamless experience.

4. Cultural Heritage Meets Coastal Bliss

What truly makes The Spice Islands and the island of Unguja extraordinary is its unique blend of beach paradise and deep cultural heritage. Known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar offers travelers much more than sun and sand:

• Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences.
• Spice farm tours allow visitors to explore Zanzibar’s historic role in the global spice trade.
• Music, art, and cuisine enrich every visit, giving travelers a multidimensional experience.

While Comoros has its own cultural richness, Zanzibar’s global recognition and well-preserved heritage make it a more powerful draw for international tourism.

5. Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

Through the leadership of TATO, Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole are working tirelessly to ensure tourism benefits local communities while protecting fragile ecosystems. Members of TATO champion:

• Eco-friendly practices among hotels and resorts.
• Community-based tourism initiatives that allow locals to benefit from the industry.
• Conservation programs to protect marine life, coral reefs, and pristine beaches.

Zanzibar’s tourism growth is guided by structured policies, ensuring the island does not become a victim of its own success. In contrast, Comoros’ tourism sector remains underdeveloped, with limited oversight and fewer initiatives to integrate community and conservation goals.

6. Strategic Government Support and Policy Reforms

Tanzania has introduced targeted policy reforms to ease operational constraints on tourism businesses. Recent measures by the Bank of Tanzania allow tour operators to use foreign currency for purchasing specialized vehicles and paying for services on behalf of non-resident tourists. This progressive approach makes Tanzania — and by extension The Spice Islands and the island of Unguja — a stable and competitive tourism hub.

This level of policy support is rarely seen in neighboring island destinations, giving The Spice Islands and the island of Unguja a clear advantage in attracting both international tourists and investment in luxury beach tourism.

7. Recognition on the Global Stage

Zanzibar and Tanzania continue to receive prestigious accolades, including awards at the World Travel Awards:

• Africa’s Leading Destination
• World’s Leading Safari Destination

These awards confirm what travelers already know: Tanzania is not just a safari giant, but also home to some of the finest beaches in the world. Zanzibar’s global profile gives it brand power that Comoros has yet to achieve.

8. Tourism as a Cornerstone of Economic Growth

Tourism is now Tanzania’s top foreign exchange earner, surpassing even gold, generating over $3.9 billion in 2024 and contributing over 17% to the national GDP. Zanzibar plays a significant role in these numbers, serving as a magnet for high-value tourists and cruise travelers.

The government, working closely with TATO and other stakeholders, continues to invest in tourism diversification — combining Zanzibar’s beaches with mainland safaris to offer travelers the ultimate “bush-and-beach” experience. This integrated approach makes Tanzania far more competitive than single-product destinations like Comoros.

TATO’s Role in Promoting Zanzibar

As the voice of Tanzania’s private tourism sector, TATO has been instrumental in ensuring that Zanzibar maintains its leadership as a world-class beach destination. By advocating for policies that support investment, lobbying for streamlined regulations, and facilitating partnerships with global travel trade organizations, TATO strengthens Zanzibar’s position on the international tourism map.

Through training programs, marketing initiatives, and collaborations with the government and development partners, TATO works to ensure that:

• Tour operators meet global service standards.
• Tourism growth remains sustainable.
• Local communities share in the benefits of Zanzibar’s success.

Final Remarks

Zanzibar’s unmatched beaches, combined with Tanzania’s strategic vision for sustainable tourism, make the archipelago a true jewel of the Indian Ocean. Backed by supportive policies, global recognition, and strong leadership from TATO and its partners, Zanzibar is not only ahead of Comoros but also positioned to remain a world-class beach destination for decades to come.